Welcome to the Underwater Photography Guide. This online book and magazine is a complete underwater photography tutorial full of u/w photography tips and techniques. Our idea is simple - learn, shoot, explore. We hope you enjoy and come back often - Scott Gietler, Owner of UWPG and Bluewater Photo & Travel.

Vimeo Redesigns Cameo Video Editing App

Easily edit and share cinematic videos with Cameo, using themes, soundtracks and more

Video platform Vimeo has announced a full redesign of their video editing app, Cameo, available for download today (iOS only). This is another huge step in support of the trend of content on the go, which has been starting to enter the underwater photography and video world.

The redesigned app allows users to edit video clips, adding popular music provided by Vimeo, filter effects, text fonts and colors and of course, easy sharing on social media platforms, including Vimeo. Navigation and workflow inside of the app is elegant and easy, steamlined from left to right like we see with Adobe workflow, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.

Cameo for Underwater Video

The Vimeo Cameo app is designed to edit and share videos on your cell phone, meaning underwater video shooters have an extra step before using the app (unless you're using a Watershot Cell Phone Housing).

So how would you use Cameo for underwater video? There are a few ways. First, you could shoot clips on a WiFi-enabled camera like the Canon 70D, Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II or GoPro Hero4. Once you're back on the surface you can simply transfer the clip(s) to your mobile phone for editing and either saving on your device (for sharing on social sites like Facebook or Instagram) or direct upload to your Vimeo account... before your dive boat even reaches the dock.

The second method would be to transfer video shot on any compact, mirrorless or DSLR camera underwater to your computer, and then transfer from your computer to your mobile phone. Obviously this isn't ideal because it defeats the spirit of "editing and sharing on the go."

Cameo is currently only availble for iOS but will be available for Android users in the near future.

Snorkeler Bit by Mako Shark off Southern California

On June 13, 2015 a snorkeler was bit by a mako shark during a baited shark dive 8 miles off the coast of Southern California. These open water shark trips have been growing in popularity with underwater photographers during recent years, with summer proving to be a reliable time for mako shark encounters.

The snorkeler, Elke Specker, was diving off the coast of San Diego with the shark dive charter, Mako Shark Diving, which was using bait and chum to lure in the sharks. Details are still not clear, however one shark bit Elke on the leg, leaving a severe gash. Luckily, no major arteries were damaged. She has posted photos of her leg stitched up and appears to be on the road to recovery.

According to Elke's Facebook page, "The freakiest part was looking down at the tears in my wetsuit, not knowing how much damage was done. Luckily there were no arteries cut or I would have bled to death being 8 miles out from shore."

Two photos from the incident have also been posted on Elke's page. Please note that one photo graphically shows the wound.

Blue and Mako sharks can be seen off the California coast, with Mako sharks having a reputation for being more aggressive and dangerous. Some shark operators will immediately take snorkelers out of the water if a Mako shark appears that is too big or starts acting too aggressively. Some operators even advocate using a cage with Mako sharks due to their aggressive nature.

Chris Wade, owner of SharkBoat.org, has run several trips in Southern California where people dive or snorkel with sharks such as blue sharks and mako sharks. According to Chris, "Diving with sharks is potentially hazardous, but adverse interactions only happen very rarely. Mako sharks are extremely fast moving and occasionally can show signs of aggression. Additional care and high levels of situational awareness need to be in effect while diving with Mako sharks."

This week Sony announced three brand new cameras that impressively add to their current full frame mirrorless and compact camera lineup: the Sony a7R II, Sony RX100m4, and Sony RX10m2. All three cameras are upgrades from existing models. The RX100 has been extremely popular with underwater photographers since it was released, and most video shooters have been keeping their eye on the a7R.

In this underwater photo and video review we will go over the specs of each camera and what is new from the previous model. We'll be doing in-water tests as soon as housing become available.

Sony a7R II Comparison with A7r

From the Sony press release:

The new α7R II interchangeable lens camera features the world’s first back-illuminated full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor1, which realizes high resolution (42.4 MP approx. effective megapixels), high sensitivity (expandable up to ISO 102400)2 and high speed AF response up to 40% faster than the original α7R thanks to 399 focal plane phase detection AF points."

Sony RX100 IV Comparison with RX100 III

The major highlight (and upgrade from the RX100 III) of the new RX100 IV is the brand new Exmore RS CMOS sensor. This sensor is stacked with a lightning-fast DRAM memory chip, which reads image data 5 times faster than the older Exmor R sensor. The result is extremely fast electronic shutter capability, which allows for some of the new levels of performance we see above: 16 fps burst, 4K video, slow motion at up to 960 fps (40x super slow mo) and more.

The Sony RX100 IV will be available in July 2015.

Sony RX10 II Specs

While not as popular for underwater photography as the cameras above, the Sony RX10m2 is impressive for those wanting a nice all-in-one compact camera for their next dive trip. The long zoom range on the built-in lens is perfect for those topside opportunities, offering more versatility in shooting above water than the RX100 IV. Below are the RX10m2 specs:

20.2MP 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS Sensor

ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens (f/2.8) with focal length 8.8 - 73.3mm

BIONZ X Image Processor

Super Slow Motion Video (maximum of 40x)

4K Video Recording

14 frames per second burst shooting

Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC

Sony RX10 II Comparison with RX10

The major highlight (and upgrade from the RX10) of the new RX10 II is the brand new Exmore RS CMOS sensor. This sensor is stacked with a lightning-fast DRAM memory chip, which reads image data 5 times faster than the older Exmor R sensor. The result is extremely fast electronic shutter capability, which allows for some of the new levels of performance we see above: 14 fps burst, 4K video, slow motion at up to 960 fps (40x super slow mo) and more.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott Gietler is the owner of Bluewater Photo, Bluewater Travel, and the Underwater Photography Guide. Bluewater Photo, based in Santa Monica, CA is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious underwater camera stores, serving many thousands of customers each year, where nothing is more important than customer service. The Underwater Photography Guide is the world’s first website to feature free tutorials on underwater photography, and has become the most trafficked resource on underwater photography worldwide. Bluewater Travel is a full-service dive travel wholesaler sending groups and individuals on the world’s best dive vacations.

Scott is also an avid diver, underwater photographer, and budding marine biologist, having created the online guide to the underwater flora and fauna of Southern California. He is the past vice-president of the Los Angeles Underwater Photographic Society, has volunteered extensively at the Santa Monica aquarium, and is the creator of the Ocean Art underwater photo competition, one of the largest underwater international photo competitions ever held in terms of value of prizes. He lives in California with his wife, newborn girl and scuba-diving, photo taking 4 year old son.

SeaLife Releases New Screen Shield

Waterproof Screen Protector for Small Cameras and Housings

SeaLife has announced a very useful accessory for small underwater cameras and housings: The Screen Shield.

Every veteran to underwater photo and video can tell you how quickly their gear gets beat up. Housings get scuffed by BC buckles, tap other housings on boats, bake in the sun and take other abuse. The LCD screen is the one place you cannot afford to have any scratches, since you have to see through it to shoot and review your images. Enter the new SeaLife Screen Shield.

SeaLife has announced the Screen Shield, a waterproof screen protector for underwater cameras and housings with a 2.4” or smaller LCD, such as the Micro HD or GoPro. The high-transparency, ultra-thin film goes completely unnoticed while guarding the display against scratches, dirt and fingerprints.

The Screen Shield is compatible with all GoPro models with LCD display or LCD BacPac accessory, and can be applied to the underwater housing or directly to the LCD screen when using the camera outside the housing. The touch screen will maintain full capability with the Screen Shield in place.

The protector is easy to install and leaves no residue behind when removed. Its hydrophobic coating repels water, and the protector will have no problem staying in place on the camera down to 330 feet/100 meters below the surface.

Each package includes two screen protectors, dust removal tape, cleaning cloth and easy to follow instructions. The low retail price of $12.95 makes the Screen Shield (Item SL5012) a perfect add-on to an underwater camera purchase.

For dealer pricing, more information or to place an order, contact your SeaLife rep or the SeaLife sales team.

About SeaLife:

SeaLife underwater cameras, lights and accessories are made and distributed by Pioneer Research in Moorestown, NJ. SeaLife cameras were first introduced in 1993. In 2000 SeaLife made the first digital underwater camera. In 2007 SeaLife developed the first non-housed digital underwater camera, and in 2013 SeaLife introduced the powerful Sea Dragon Lighting system and its innovative Flex-Connect tray, grip, arm and accessory system. SeaLife Cameras, Lighting and Flex-Connect Accessories are sold and serviced in 64 countries around the world.

GoPro HERO+ LCD Key Features

GoPro Tutorials on the Underwater Photography Guide

There are many different aspects to using a GoPro to film underwater video. At the Underwater Photography Guide, we have been building a series of GoPro tutorials to help you create the best video possible.

SAN MATEO, CALIF. (June 1, 2015) – GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO), enabler of some of today's most immersive and engaging content, has announced the availability of its new HERO+ LCD camera. Capturing life-like high definition 1080p60 video and 8MP photos, the HERO+ LCD features a convenient touch display for easy shot framing, settings control and access to an all-new in-camera video trimming feature. Like the entry-level HERO, the HERO+ LCD is built directly into its waterproof housing. The simplicity of this all-in-one design now combines with expanded features to make capturing life’s memorable moments easier than ever.

Rugged and waterproof to 131’ (40m), HERO+ LCD also includes advanced features like HiLight Tagging and in-camera video trimming to make it easier to identify and share your favorite moments. HiLight Tagging lets you mark key moments while recording and during playback so you can easily find them later, and the all-new video trimming feature allows you to create short clips in-camera for easier sharing without a computer.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connect the HERO+ LCD to your GoPro App-enabled smartphone or tablet for easy camera control and shot preview when your camera is mounted or out of reach. The GoPro App also allows for easy content sharing to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and more and combines with the new in-camera video trimming feature to form a convenient content sharing solution.

“HERO+ LCD illustrates that even as we push the limits of life capture with bleeding-edge devices like the HERO4 Black, we’re also focused on delivering accessible, high-quality capture solutions to anyone wanting to GoPro,” said Nick Woodman, founder and CEO of GoPro.

Whether you are a first-time user or a GoPro veteran, the HERO+ LCD is an impressive capture solution. It combines GoPro’s famed image quality, versatility and durability with WiFi connectivity, long battery life and touch display convenience in an all-in-one design.

Aquatica A5Dsr Housing Announced

Canon recently announced two new 5D bodies with some mega megapixels, aimed at besting the beastly Nikon D810. Announced as 'bringing medium format to digital cameras,' Canon's 5Ds and 5DS R pack 50.6 megapixel sensors and dual DIGIC 6 processors.

If you're not familiar with these new cameras, you can check out the specs and our thoughts on the cameras for underwater photography in our Canon 5DS and 5DS R DSLR Review.

The Aquatica A5Dsr has been designed by Aquatica as an upgrade to the current A5D MkIII housing, making it lighter and more compact, refreshing the ergonomics, building in TTL control (for Ikelite strobes) and Aquatica's Surveyor monitoring sensor for moisture detection (and adding optional vacuum monitoring).

The Aquatica Team is proud to introduce to you the new Aquatica A5Dsr housing for the upcoming Canon 5Ds, 5Dsr and the existing 5D Mk III. Scheduled for shipping around July 1st.

THE DESIGN

Our Design team has refreshed the housing design for the 5D line of cameras with new improved operational ergonomics. This precision housing follows in the steps of a very time proven lineage of underwater camera housings for the constantly evolving 5D camera line up. Aquatica has been on top of the 5D program since they introduced the original one a decade ago, much like the 5D camera did, our housing has evolved into a fine imaging tool that mirrors the constant evolution of technology and the input of highly respected professional’s image makers from around the world.

IKELITE TTL OPTION & EXPOSURE CONTROL

Now offering original internal TTL circuitry from Ikelite as an option, this 5Dsr housing edition brings creativity to a new level, strobe exposure control is right there, were it is supposed to be, you can now tweak your lighting exposure or even go fully manual right at your fingertips. Controlling the amount of light entering your camera is paramount to the success of any image maker, and the A5Dsr housing controls for aperture, shutter, ISO and strobes exposures are all a “hands on the grips” approach. Every one of these is positioned to be intuitive, eliminating confusion and making the housing a natural extension of the photographer.

THE CONSTRUCTION

The Canon 5Ds and 5Dsr cameras brings stunning and previously unheard of levels of resolution to the realms of DSLR’s cameras, our job at Aquatica is to provide you with the right tools for capturing your vision of the underwater world.

All Aquatica housings are constructed from the finest material available in the industry. They are carefully crafted from a selected alloy of aircraft grade aluminum and a premium grade of stainless steel, the housing shell is machined using the latest 5 axis computer assisted machines. After undergoing a series of quality control operations, the main body and its controls knobs will get protection by anodizing them to North American military specifications, furthermore, a coating of “tough as nail” powder coating is baked on at a high temperature. Corrosion inhibiting zinc anodes are standard equipment on all of our housings. These extra levels of protection are apparent, as can be seen on some Aquatica housings that, even with over 1,500 dives on them, still look as fresh as the day they came out of the box.

The A5Dsr housing was designed to be as small and lightweight as it could be, nevertheless its lightness in weight should not be taken for a weakness. This housing still has the same standard 90m/300ft depth rating and can still be upgraded to 130m/425ft.

Aquatica housings are made for the hard working photographer in mind, one who truly understands reliability in the field. Being built in Canada means that every Aquatica housing is born and bred in one of the world most rugged diving environment. Bottom line, if it works in our local conditions, it will work everywhere else!

SURVEYOR MONITORING SYSTEM

The Aquatica A5Dsr housing comes standard with a Surveyor monitoring sensor. This sensor acts as a moisture alarm and can with the addition of a vacuum extracting valve an pump, be used for constantly monitoring the sealing integrity of the housing, adding another level of safety and peace of mind.

THE ERGONOMICS

Given the immense impact its predecessors had on the underwater imaging, it was deemed absolutely important that this new housing be optimized so that all its controls would be easy to reach and operate smoothly. AF-ON & star button access is provided with a rotating collar that prevents ambient pressure from pushing it back toward the housing. Menus buttons are angled to provide an easier reach for your left hand. The 4xxxx gear system with a smaller housing pinion gear and larger lens gear results in smoother action while zooming in a video sequence. Knurled knobs and oversized controls translate into positive and easy operation no matter what the situation is.

A control extender arm for the ISO button is now a standard feature on the Aquatica A5Dsr Pro Housing. ISO is an important, and in our opinion a vital feature, especially when shooting video, in normal circumstances this can be done by pushing on the ISO button located on the right hand top of the housing. This lever gives a quick and comfortable access to the ISO control of the camera.

Battery and card replacement are a simple affair with a camera tray that precisely positions the camera in the housing and easily disengage by a simple push on a tab. The zoom actuating pinion gear and the lens release lever pull out to allow the user to remove the camera from the back while still keeping a lens and zoom gear attached.

Handling the housing is via our acclaimed molded grips, these have been the industry reference in comfort for the last 25 years. These lightweight yet sturdy grip handles are made of one piece and cannot come unglued, fall apart or corrode. Grips are provided with standard sized mounting holes ready to accept the most current strobes and their supporting arms. On top of the housing is an extra mounting point for attaching a focus/video light or other accessories, three additional standard sized mounting points are provided under for various brackets, support or tripods.

On the right is a view of the business end on the Aquatica A5Dsr, clearly showing the serious nature of this housing. The record button is located close to your thumb and not only is it oversized but with a bright red coating, it is visually easy to pin point. The Live View toggle is within easy reach and the SET button is also oversized. The multi controller pad is accessible. All push buttons are of high quality Type 304 stainless steel, the same used in the aerospace industry; these will not break or rust. Their smooth operation and position gives the photographer a very intuitive and normal feel to the housing.

CONNECTIVITY

The Aquatica A5Dsr housing offers a choice of connectors to take advantages of the current technology advancement made in underwater strobes. They are user serviceable and replacing them is done quickly without requiring the need for any special tool. Again, these improvements were implemented with the travelling photographer in mind, reliability and user’s friendly field maintenance being the key word here.

The Aquatica A5Dsr is supplied with our Galileo type eye piece. This high quality and coated optical finder gives a bright and full view of the view finder. For those seeking the ultimate in viewing for still image, the optional Aqua View Finder, available in straight and 45 degrees version, are among the best of the industry, they can easily be installed in a matter of a few minutes by the user. The enlarged and enhanced image provided by the Aqua View Finder is second to none in clarity, it provides the photographer with tack sharp corner to corner viewing of the camera view finder for composing and critical focusing

OPTICS

These new Canon 5D models, with their 50 megapixels, will be brutally demanding on optics, both the ones mounted on the camera and the ones attached to the housings. The Aquatica housing are supported by one of the most established and comprehensive port and accessories system of the industry. Our ports are manufactured with the finest optical material available, with four different sizes dome ports and three flat macro port, that selection is intended to let you optimize your system according to the situation at hand.

Dome ports are as follows: starting by our state-of-the-art 9.25”/230mm Megadome made of BK-7 coated mineral glass, to our classic workhorses, the 8” and 6” dome ports with removable shade, and going down all the way to the diminutive 4”/100mm Minidome, also made of coated BK7 glass. A selection of port extension rings, some including our unique manual focus capability, these extension are available for both the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Type II and the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM, Two serious candidates for the video shooter and for which manual focus access is vital, prime lens focusing can be done using the controls knob on the upper left side of the housing.

The Aquatica 5Dsr is destined, much like its predecessor, the A5D Mk III, for a life of multi-tasking role. This previous A5D version is still a reference to date, and is used by many of the major television underwater documentary production; it has been embraced by scores of top image makers in the world whose work can be seen weekly on network television, advertising work and movie productions.

This philosophy that made the Canon 5D Mk III and its Aquatica housing so popular has not been lost on this newer version! Every effort was made to give you an underwater imaging system that can be tailored to your needs.

SPECIFICATIONS

The Aquatica A5Dsr is a very compact and lightweight housing tipping the scale at just:

SeaLife Advances Sea Dragon Line with 4 New Lights

New dive and video lights include two 650 lumen models, a 2100 dual beam light and a powerful 2500 lumen light with 120 degree beam.

SeaLife expands the Sea Dragon line today with the announcement of four new lights ranging from 650 lumens to 2500 lumens. These lights really boost the lumen power of Sea Dragon and expand on the versatility of the setup, from mounting on the Flex-Connect system to a variety of other light mounts. Wider beam angles will be much appreciated by those shooting underwater video.

New Sea Dragon Lights

Sea Dragon 2500

2,500 lumens from flat panel LED

120 degree beam angle

Burn time one hour at full power with constant brightness

Sea Dragon 2100 Dual Beam

2 Beams

2,100 lumen, 100 degree flood beam (great for video)

800 lumen, 15 degree spot beam (great for diving/night)

3 power settings for flood beam

Burn time one hour full power flood mode and 3 hours 800 lumen spot mode

Sea Dragon Mini 650

Available in two models

120 degree beam (great for video)

15 degree spot beam (great for diving/night)

Great handheld lights that can also be mounted to an Aquapod, GoPro and many other setups.

Moorestown, NJ – SeaLife has announced their most powerful and advanced underwater lights to date. Featuring compact light heads, high power with long burn time, and unmatched versatility, the four latest Sea Dragon lights also offer superior brightness, wide beam angles, and cutting edge LED technology. The revolutionary new lighting caters to underwater adventurers of all kinds. Underwater photographers and videographers using a wide camera lens (like those on the SeaLife Micro HD or GoPro) will be able to illuminate an entire frame. Divers exploring wrecks and reefs can reveal their surroundings in stunning full color and vibrant detail, day or night.

Nearby divers will take notice when 2500 lumens are unleashed from the flat panel LED of the new Sea Dragon 2500. This light not only shines across an ultra-wide 120-degree beam, but uses flat panel COB LED array technology to mimic natural sunlight. With a Color Rendering Index of 90 (sunlight is 100), the light brings out true color in underwater photos and video that would be impossible to capture with a standard LED light. The Sea Dragon 2500 effectively solves the issue of blue underwater photos and video by giving divers the ability to add light at any depth with portable sunlight. While the lumen output is a true 2500, the burn time at full power is one hour at constant brightness throughout the battery life, making it efficient as well as incredibly bright. With an MSRP of $499.95 the user also receives a Flex-Connect Tray, Grip and fitted case that holds a camera.

Divers looking for a true all-in-one lighting solution can now rejoice. The most adaptable light available from SeaLife, the new Sea Dragon 2100 Dual Beam, includes a 2100 lumen, 100-degree flood beam and a concentrated 800 lumen, 15-degree spot beam – all in the same compact light head. The variable power flood beam will greatly brighten underwater surroundings, photos and videos, while the powerful spot beam is ideal for illuminating greater distances and pointing out distant sea creatures. The included 25Wh lithium ion battery delivers a one hour burn time in full power flood mode, and three hours in the 800 lumen spot mode. The one-button operation of the Sea Dragon 2100 Dual Beam allows for quick and easy cycling of desired output and beam angle with three flood beam strength settings and a full power, 800 lumen spot. Both the Sea Dragon 2500 and 2100 lights include emergency signal modes (1 flash per second and SOS).

A pair of 650 lumen, ergonomic handheld underwater lights round out the release. The Sea Dragon Mini 650 is available in two models. The wide 120-degree flood model is ideal for photos and videos, as well as wide area illumination, and the long reaching 15-degree spot model is perfect for pointing out objects to other divers, penetrating into crevices, or cutting through murky water. While both lights make excellent, high quality handheld dive lights that stand up to the field’s best competitors, the real value in these lights is their incredible versatility. Each light is packed with a lanyard, Y-S Mount, Cold Shoe Mount, GoPro Mount and SeaLife AquaPod Pole Mount. These easy-to-connect mounts allow divers to add light to any underwater adventure in any situation. Mount the sleek light to the end of an AquaPod to illuminate close up video of hidden creatures in dark caverns. Attach it directly to a GoPro camera to create the most compact lighting solution for GoPro available. The Sea Dragon Mini 650 features one-button operation and illuminated three-color battery status indicator. An incredible 100-minute, full power burn time is achieved with an optional 18650 2600mAh 3.7v battery, and the included pair of single-use CR123 batteries yield 60 minutes of burn time at full power. Once a diver places this perfectly weighted and beautifully constructed light in his or her hand, it will become a permanent fixture in their dive kit.

As with all Sea Dragon lights, the actual lumen rating meets or exceeds SeaLife’s claims. Unlike many underwater lighting brands whose lumen readings have been verified to fall short of their claim by a baffling 40% or more, SeaLife makes sure each Sea Dragon Light delivers on its promise. The same attention is given to performance throughout the battery runtime. Sea Dragon Lights provide constant brightness up to depletion of battery. In fact, a fully charged lithium ion battery for the Sea Dragon 2500 and 2100 lights provides over a full hour of uninterrupted usage at 100% power.

The ruggedness and thoughtful design that Sea Dragon Lighting users have come to expect can be seen in the new lighting as well. The Sea Dragon 2500 and 2100 keep the battery compartment completely sealed off from the electronics – meaning an accidental flooding will only damage a battery and not the light itself. The Sea Dragon Mini 650 lights feature a double O-ring seal and single button control, virtually eliminating the possibility of water damage.

SeaLife’s full line of Sea Dragon Lights are available now at SeaLife dealers at the following suggested retail prices:

Rare Deep Water Encounter with Sperm Whale

Many photographers and videographers have been capturing sperm whale images in recent years, but all of those are near the surface. Nautilus Live recently stirred it up with a rare and very surprising sperm whale encounter caught on video 598 meters below the surface (1,962ft).

The encounter took place in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana, where ROV Hercules was circled several times by the sperm whale. Encounters like this are extremely rare, and good video even more rare.

Rare Sperm Whale Encounter Video:

Be sure to check out the Nautilus Live website, where they are exploring the ocean, studying biology, geology, archeology, and streaming LIVE video from deep below the ocean surface.

Dr. Eugenie Clark – The Shark Lady 1922-2015

Dr. Eugenie Clark, Sharon and my dear friend and mentor passed away today, at the age of 92 at her home in Sarasota, FL.

Genie as we all lovingly called her was one of the most remarkable and impressive people in our lives and in the lives of so many of my colleagues who live, work and love the Sea.

We first met, totally by chance in 1973 when I was speaking at a Boston Sea Rovers conference presenting the first dive travel operation in the Red Sea and she was awarded yet another honor for her life’s work studying, exploring, teaching and protecting the fishes of the sea.

This chance meeting led to her coming to dive with me in the Red Sea with her wonderful (and very young) UW photographic team of David and Anne Doubilet. The year was 1974 and we at Red Sea Diver’s Sharem el Sheikh, then a mere desolate outpost at the tip of the Sinai, were overwhelmed with excitement of having the famous “Shark Lady” and her team from National Geographic coming to dive with us. We dived intensely for over a month and the fruits of that amazing experience was chronicled as yet another Cover Story by Genie in the Sept. 1975 edition of Geographic.

The great success of that story led to many more articles and years of cooperation between us. NatGeo articles as varied as “Flashlight Fish” The “Underwater Desert” “Sharks”, “Bioluminescence” and more.

Documentary movies and, TV reports and many other magazine articles and books followed.

What an amazing gift, what a capacity Genie had in sharing her passion and knowledge about marine life with all that surrounded her.

Aside from her life’s scientific work, which was the main focus in her life, Genie also had an army of admirers and “student/tourists” who would follow her to the end of the Oceans to dive with her and assist her in her “field” work. Our diving base in Sharem el Sheikh and later aboard the “Fantasea” live aboards I operated, was the home of many of these unforgettable and productive expeditions.

With the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1982, Genie showed amazing leadership and determination to make sure the Red Sea reefs and fishes would continue to be protected under the returning Egyptian administration. She organized a meeting with President Anwar Sadat and almost single handedly convinced him to have the Sinai reefs remain and nature reserve and remain open to diving tourism and then personally led the first group of Egyptian scientists to visit the Sinai area after the signing of the Camp David accords. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p25T3Kbuu8)

Genie continue to lead diving trips and research projects until 2014 (her last paper on Ocean Trigger fish was published this month!). Genie was diving and working with her loyal followers and friends in places as far away as Indonesia and Eilat, in the Red Sea where she dived and celebrated her 92nd birthday!!

Genie’s greatest pride and scientific achievement was the founding and of the Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, FL where she was the first Director and affiliated with for over 50 years.

She was also Professor of Ichthyology at the Univ. of Maryland for many years, retiring only about 10 years ago as Professor Emeritus. Her most eminent student is the current Emperor of Japan, Akihito.

Permit me to share a personal gallery of some of the hundreds and hundreds of images taken with Genie and our colleagues who had together with me, the great and distinct honor and privilege to share the Red Sea with Dr. Eugenie Clark. View the gallery

May her memory be blessed and cherished by all who knew her and all people who love the sea and nature.

Howard and Genie at the DEMA tradeshow.

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GoPro has Unlocked New Timelapse, Burst, HiLight Tags and Fast Framerates for the Hero4

GoPro has officially announced a software update for the GoPro Hero4 Black and Hero4 Silver. The update is packed with features that will bring new capabilities to the camera for a variety of different shooting situations, some of which will be very useful for underwater video.

There are three ways to update your camera. First is the traditional manual software installation. The other two options require you to use either GoPro's phone app or Studio editing software on your laptop/desktop, which will surely encourage many who aren't using these free products to begin using them.

Today, GoPro unlocked a host of new features for the HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver that will amp the performance, capabilities and convenience of the cameras even higher. Run a quick update on your HERO4 software to enable even more dynamic content capture! The new features include:

Add HiLight Tags during playback - Now you can mark key moments both while recording video and playing back content on the built-in touch display to quickly find highlights for easy editing and sharing. [HERO4 Black requires LCD Touch BacPac to utilize this feature]

HERO4 Black

720p240 fps video - Record ultra high frame rate video at a staggering 240 frames per second for liquid smooth slow-motion playback

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott Gietler is the owner of Bluewater Photo, Bluewater Travel, and the Underwater Photography Guide. Bluewater Photo, based in Santa Monica, CA is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious underwater camera stores, serving many thousands of customers each year, where nothing is more important than customer service. The Underwater Photography Guide is the world’s first website to feature free tutorials on underwater photography, and has become the most trafficked resource on underwater photography worldwide. Bluewater Travel is a full-service dive travel wholesaler sending groups and individuals on the world’s best dive vacations.

Scott is also an avid diver, underwater photographer, and budding marine biologist, having created the online guide to the underwater flora and fauna of Southern California. He is the past vice-president of the Los Angeles Underwater Photographic Society, has volunteered extensively at the Santa Monica aquarium, and is the creator of the Ocean Art underwater photo competition, one of the largest underwater international photo competitions ever held in terms of value of prizes. He lives in California with his wife, newborn girl and scuba-diving, photo taking 4 year old son.